What is the best linux software

Best Linux Distributions That are Most Suitable for Beginners

Last updated March 25, 2021 By Aquil Roshan 326 Comments

Brief: It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the list of Linux distributions available. In this article, we will mention the best Linux distros for beginners.

Let’s face it, Linux can pose an overwhelming complexity to new users. But then, it’s not Linux itself that brings this complexity. Rather, it’s the “newness” factor that causes this. Not getting nostalgic, but remembering my first time with Linux, I didn’t even know what to expect. I liked it. But it was an upstream swim for me initially.

Not knowing where to start can be a downer. Especially for someone who does not have the concept of something else running on their PC in place of Windows.

The first thing that confuses a newcomer is that Linux is not a single operating system. There are hundreds of Linux distributions. We have covered why there are so many Linux in detail, so I am not going to discuss it again.

Here are a few lists of Linux distributions based on different criteria:

In addition to that, there are distributions that cater to the needs of newcomers especially. So, here, we shall focus on those options.

Best Linux Distros for Beginners

Please remember that this list is no particular order. The main criteria for compiling this list is the ease of installation, out of the box hardware support, ease of use, and availability of software packages.

1. Ubuntu

• Easy to use
• Unique user experience
• Huge collection of software applications available through the software center
• Essential tools pre-installed

You must have heard about Ubuntu — no matter what. It is the most popular Linux distribution overall. Not just limited to servers, but also the most popular choice for Linux desktops.

It is easy to use, offers a good user experience, and comes pre-installed with essential tools to get a head start. Of course, Ubuntu managed to “simplify” the Linux experience years back and that is the reason why it is still so popular even with several impressive Linux distributions available right now.

Ubuntu offers a very convenient installation procedure and ensures best hardware compatibility when compared to some other non-Ubuntu based Linux distributions.

The original Ubuntu relies on GNOME desktop. Even though it is easy to use, it may not prove to be a familiar user interface if you’re coming from the Windows platform. In that case, you can try out some official flavors of Ubuntu like Kubuntu, Lubuntu to get a Windows-like user interface.

Ubuntu has a great documentation and community support. Ubuntu forums and Ask Ubuntu provide an appreciable quality support in almost all aspects regarding Ubuntu. You should easily find answers to common issues and even if you notice something new, the community will help you out troubleshooting.

2. Linux Mint

• Familiar user interface with Windows
• Performs great with older hardware
• Some improvements over Ubuntu

Linux Mint is arguably the best Ubuntu-based Linux distribution suitable for beginners. Yes, it is based on Ubuntu, so you should expect the same advantages of using Ubuntu. However, instead of GNOME desktop, it offers different desktop environments like Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE. In fact, Linux Mint does a few things better than Ubuntu.

Not just limited to the familiar user interface, which will be a bonus for Windows users. It provides an impressive performance with minimal hardware requirements, especially with Xfce or MATE desktop environment.

It also uses the same software repository as Ubuntu. You don’t have to worry about the availability of software to install.

Linux Mint is a fantastic Windows-like distribution. So, if you do not want a unique user interface (like Ubuntu), Linux Mint should be the perfect choice.

The most popular suggestion would be to go with Linux Mint Cinnamon edition. But, you can explore whatever you want. Also, you might want to look at our tutorial to install Linux Mint 20 from USB.

3. Zorin OS

• Windows-like user interface
• Intuitive user experience
• Easy to use
• Ultimate edition available with a lot of pre-installed goodies and Lite edition for older computers

Zorin OS is yet another impressive Linux distribution that offers a similar user interface to Windows. It may not be the most popular choice but being an Ubuntu-based distribution, it is perfectly suitable for beginners while offering many cool features as well.

Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution but feels highly polished. In my opinion, it is perfectly tailored for former Windows users who want a similar look and feel but something beautiful.

No wonder why Zorin OS is one of the most beautiful Linux distros out there.

The ultimate edition of Zorin OS is worth spending if you need all the pre-installed goodies (fun games, office suite, and some additional features). But, the free edition works like a charm as well.

You will also find a “Lite” edition which is suitable for old hardware that needs to be revived.

4. Elementary OS

Now that I mentioned a beautiful Linux distribution above, elementary OS is actually the most popular good-looking Linux distribution that takes inspiration from macOS.

Even though it is not a “macOS clone” in any aspect, it tries to focus on the user experience similar to how macOS does (or should). If you are coming from the Apple ecosystem, you would love to try elementary OS for sure.

Again, it is based on Ubuntu, so you get all the benefits of it along with a rich user experience.

Elementary OS features the Pantheon desktop environment. You can immediately notice the resemblance to macOS desktop.

The operating system is zero intrusive so you can really focus on your work. It comes with a very small number of pre-installed software. So, any new user will not be repulsed by huge bloat. But it’s got everything you need out of the box. The App Center is also unique when compared to other Linux distributions.

You will find some elementary OS tailored applications and can choose to pay the developer through the software store as well.

Experience wise, Elementary OS is really a great piece of software.

5. Linux Lite

Linux Lite is yet another Ubuntu-based distribution that is easy to use. It is specifically tailored as a lightweight distribution with some pre-installed applications that are not resource-heavy.

Linux Lite is perfectly suitable for Windows users with a similar user interface featuring the Xfce desktop environment. Compared to its previous iterations, Linux Lite has improved the user experience. Even though it isn’t meant to provide you the most modern experience, it still looks great as a desktop OS.

6. Manjaro Linux

• Not an Ubuntu-based distribution
• Arch-based Linux distribution
• Presents a learning curve

If you want to take up a challenge with a learning curve and want to try something else other than a distribution based on Ubuntu, Manjaro Linux is the best bet.

It is based on Arch Linux but tailored as a beginner-friendly distribution. Of course, considering that it follows a rolling release update cycle, you might end up with a broken system (even though that does not happen all the time). But, you have to compromise on the reliability when compared to any Ubuntu based Linux distribution mentioned in this list.

You also get a wide range of choice to install a variety of software tools. There’s also AUR, which is a community-maintained repository for software that may not be available for Manjaro officially.

If you want to know more about it, you may want to check out our detailed review of Manjaro Linux.

Manjaro Linux offers different desktop environments like XFCE, KDE, Gnome, Cinnamon and a host of more desktop environments. So, you get a lot of choices.

7. Pop!_OS

• Improved user experience when compared to Ubuntu
• Extra out-of-the-box features like Auto window tiling to help with fast multi-tasking

Pop OS is probably the best Ubuntu-based Linux distribution if you’re not looking for a lightweight Linux distribution.

It provides a polished and snappy experience when compared to Ubuntu GNOME edition. You also get some interesting features like automatic window tiling, window stacking, and a few more with Pop OS.

You also get a vanilla GNOME experience on Pop OS when compared to Ubuntu. However, unlike some other options, it does not officially support other desktop environments out of the box. So, if you do not like GNOME, you may have to manually try other desktop environments as an experiment. You might find the review of Pop OS 20.04 useful to explore more about it.

8. Peppermint OS

Peppermint Linux is an interesting choice for beginners who prefer to use web applications as local applications using the out-of-the-box integration with Ice.

It is based on Ubuntu, so along with all the goodies of Ubuntu it features a few extra options to give you a head start. It isn’t pitched as a lightweight distro, but it works quite well with older hardware as well.

9. Deepin

If performance or hardware requirement does not bother you, Deepin OS will be an interesting pick. It is known for its eye-candy user interface that is one of the most gorgeous Linux distributions out there.

Of course, it suffers from performance issues if you do not have a decent modern hardware configuration. But, if it works well on your system, it is easy to use and offers plenty of software tools to get started.

Some might mention that just because it is a project with based out of Mainland China, you need to avoid it. So, if you have an issue with that, you might take a look at UbuntuDDE (which is basically Ubuntu + eye-candy visuals of Deepin)

Your choice for the best Linux distro for beginners?

Linux might come with a tiny learning curve, but that’s not something anybody ever regretted. Go ahead, you will love it like I do!

To give you a head start, I would recommend you to follow Ubuntu 20.04 installation guide and refer how to install a distro from USB.

If you are already a Linux user, do share this article and help someone fall in love with Linux. What do you think about the distributions tailored for beginners mentioned above? Do you have a suggestion? Let me know in the comments below!

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Must Have Essential Applications for Desktop Linux Users

Last updated June 24, 2021 By Ankush Das 257 Comments

Brief: What are the must-have applications for Linux? The answer is subjective, and it depends on what purposes you have for using desktop Linux. But there are still some essential Linux apps that are more likely to be used by most Linux users. Here, we’ve listed the best Linux applications that you should have installed on every Linux distribution you use.

In the world of Linux, there are alternatives to everything. Choosing a distro? There are dozens of them. Trying to find a decent music player? Lots of alternatives there too.

But not all of them are built with the same thing in mind – some of them might target minimalism, while others might offer tons of features. Finding the right application for your needs can be quite a confusing and tiresome task. Let’s make it a bit easier.

Essential applications for Linux users

I’ve put together a list of the essential Linux applications that I prefer to use in different categories. I’m not saying that they are the best, but I’ve tried lots of applications in each category and these are the ones I liked the most. So, you’re more than welcome to mention your favorite applications in the comments section too.

We’ve also had a video on this before (with a few different apps). Do subscribe to our YouTube channel for more educational Linux videos like this one:

We’ll mention some non-FOSS apps here as well (for the sake of regular users who just want a working desktop) – so feel free to let us know your non-FOSS suggestions after reading our recommendations.

In addition, we’ve categorized the apps as well to get you started!

Image Editors

We’ve already discussed some of the best photo applications for Linux. Here we’ll mention two essential tools for every type of user.

Allowing plugins that extend its functionality while being an open source solution is impressive. It offers almost every type of tool you will ever require manipulating an image, scale it, crop it, or simply add a layer to it. You can install it from your AppCenter or Software Center, or visit GIMP’s website to download it.

Inkscape

One of the best Linux tools for digital artists, Inkscape is certainly an impressive image editor as well. Unlike GIMP, Inkscape comes pre-installed on most of the major Linux distros. It offers a bunch of drawing tools and vector graphics editing capabilities making it a powerful choice for manipulating images as well.

Audio Editors

Audacity

We’ve mentioned several audio editors in the past, but Audacity is the most popular tool for basic editing tasks. You can try to experiment and pull off something interesting as well. It supports plugins to extend its functionality. If you’re wondering: it’s open-source software and available for free. You can install it directly from the App Center or Software Center, or from the official download page.

LMMS is a free Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for Linux. It’s a feature-rich alternative to premium audio editors (or DAWs) for creating, editing, and recording music. If you have a MIDI device, you can just plug it into your machine and get started with LMMS. It also supports VST plugins to enhance your output. You can directly download it from the App Center or the Software Center. To build from source, check out their GitHub page.

Email Clients

Evolution

Evolution is the default mail app for GNOME desktop users, and it is quickly replacing Thunderbird as a pre-installed mail client on a lot of Linux distributions.

It offers an improved layout over Thunderbird and also supports Microsoft Exchange using an extension.

You can check out its GNOME wiki page to find links to Flatpak and other installation options.

Thunderbird

A simple and free email client developed by Mozilla. You may find it pre-installed on some Linux distributions – if not, you can easily install it using your Software Center or App Center. You can also download it from their website and then install it.

It offers most of the features you need – however, the UI may be the only downside for some.

Personal Communication

Signal

Signal is a popular open-source instant messaging app as one of the alternatives to WhatsApp.

We also have a guide to help you install Signal in Linux to get started.

Element

Element is a secure open-source collaboration platform built on Matrix network.

It may not be a popular choice, but it offers plenty of features as a replacement to many other proprietary options for personal or work communication.

Screen Recording and Streaming Tools

Blogger, YouTuber or work in similar industries? Here are a few tools for you.

Kazam

If you’ve been following us, you might have already read about the best screen recorders available for Linux. Kazam is the most simple solution among them. It lets you record your screen and includes a number of essential features like giving you the ability to select the area/window, hiding/showing the cursor, and enabling the sound from your mic/speaker. For installation instructions, their GitHub page would be your best bet.

Open Broadcaster Software is a pretty popular and robust screen recorder app often used by streamers.

You can heavily customize it, add your own template, etc. So there’s a lot of things you can do once you start exploring it. OBS is suitable for both personal and professional users – it’s not the easiest but it’s really useful.

Flameshot

Flameshot is my personal favorite for taking screenshots and annotating them. Heck, you can even directly upload your images to Imgur without needing to save them on your PC. I use this no matter what Linux distro I install — it’s so easy and flexible, you might want to install it too.

Ksnip

A quite simple Qt-based cross-platform screenshot tool that offers more annotation features. We’ve discussed multiple ways to take screenshots in Linux, and using Ksnip is one of them. It’s fairly new, and not the most popular screenshot tool out there, but it works as expected. Refer to the GitHub page for more info.

System Optimizers/Task Managers

Stacer

Stacer is my favorite system optimizer and task manager on Linux, with a beautiful user interface.

You get not only a pretty UI but also a solid set of features to help you in the best way possible. You can manage startup tasks, clean temporary/cache files, manage running services, uninstall packages, and monitor your system resources easily. Check out their GitHub page for installation instructions.

You probably know about the default “top” CLI tool. It’s still useful – but not the best out there.

So if you’re looking for a better command-line based tool, htop is the perfect replacement. You no longer need to type in the process number to kill it, just navigate to it and end it. It’s way easier and faster than the traditional top CLI tool.

You can also take a look at our list of top alternatives to find more utilities for system monitoring.

Apps for Gamers

Steam

Yes, Steam is a proprietary client or marketplace for purchasing/installing/managing your Linux games. But it’s the best client out there, also offering a huge library to choose from. You’ll find both free and paid options, so browse through them. To install it, you can download the .deb file from its official download page or find the installer on AppCenter or Software Center.

Discord

Without a second thought, if you’re a gamer, you have to install this one right away. Do note that it’s not an open source application.

Yes, there are alternatives to it. But nothing beats Discord when it comes to the ability to manage a server room where fellow gamers can interact and communicate on voice channels in-game. You can easily install Discord on Linux.

Media Players

Audacious

Audacious is a simple music player that is low on resources while being an open-source solution. You can customize the interface to give it a different look. To add songs, just drag and drop the folder you want. You can either install it from the Software Center or visit the official download page.

Go on, get started!

I’ve tried a lot of video players on my Windows machine and on Linux systems as well – but I keep going back to VLC pretty much every time. VLC is a simple media player that’s open-source and free as well. It supports almost every type of file format. You can download it from their website or find it on your Software Center.

Media Server Software

Kodi is definitely one of the best media server programs available for Linux. Many of the other best media server tools are based on Kodi as well.

Plex is not entirely open-source media server software, but it offers an option to create a free account. A nice UI with all the basic features you need included. Feel free to install Plex on Ubuntu.

Video Editors

If I had to choose the top two best video editors for Linux, these would be my picks.

Kdenlive

Kdenlive is one of the best free video editing programs available for Linux. It’s an open-source solution and also offers support for dual monitors. It includes most of the necessary features like basic transition effects, layout customization, multi-track editing, and so on.

OpenShot

OpenShot is an open source video editor which is easy to use and robust as well. It includes 3D effects, basic video transitions, drag and drop support, and so on.

If you want to use it for professional-grade editing, you be the judge.

Open-Source Media Converters

Handbrake

Handbrake is an impressive video converter. It supports a wide range of video codecs and quickly converts your videos. Of course, you get to choose the quality or resolution, frame rate, and a lot of other things like subtitles while converting the video.

SoundConverter

Fret not if you’re a fan of audio instead of video. We’ve got you.

SoundConverter is a powerful audio conversion tool that supports almost all file formats and converts audio files pretty fast.

Backup Tools

Backup is one of the essential parts of not only Linux but any operating system. Here are two options for you.

Timeshift

Yes, we often keep a backup of our files. But what about the driver updates and configuration changes that you perform? What if these break your entire system? In this case, Timeshift will help you take a backup (or a snapshot) of your entire OS along with all its configurations. You can easily restore it when something goes wrong. We have a guide to how to use Timeshift on Linux as well.

Bacula

Bacula is a feature-rich open-source backup tool available for Linux.

It’s not just a single program but includes a number of tools for every specific option. Also, it’s somewhat developer-oriented, so if you maintain a network of computers, you can definitely make use of Bacula.

PDF Editing Tools

LibreOffice Draw

For basic PDF editing tasks, LibreOffice Draw is the go-to solution for users who prefer FOSS. It has its limitations – but works like a charm for most use-cases. If it doesn’t fit your needs, you can check out the best Linux PDF editors available.

PDF Studio

PDF Studio is an amazing PDF editor by Qoppa software. It’s not an open source offering – in fact, it’s a paid solution for users looking to edit PDF files. It offers a bunch of features (annotate, edit, optimize, sign, watermark, etc.) for manipulating PDF files easily.

Code and Text Editors

VS Code

Even though we’re Linux users, I’ve noticed that a lot of people like the Visual Studio Code editor. It includes a smart feature to autocomplete what you write based on variable type or function definition. It’s highly recommended if you’re working with Git, because the relevant commands are built-in. And as you start exploring, you’ll discover that there’s so much more to it.

There’s also an unofficial open-source version of it, i.e. VS Codium.

In addition to VS Code, you can also look at some of the best modern code editors for your work.

An open-source editor with a lot of features. If you’re writing scientific documents or a thesis, this can come in handy with its formula editor to make things easier. You can download it right from the AppCenter or Software Center. More information can be found on their website.

Texmaker

Even though we’ve already talked about some of the best LaTeX editors, I’ll mention this as one of the essential additions to your Linux system. It’s specifically tailored for the GNOME environment but works everywhere. Its PDF conversion is blazing fast. Try it by downloading it from the App Center/Software Center or the official site.

Note Taking Apps

Simplenote

Simplenote is one of the best Evernote alternatives available for Linux. The organization behind WordPress (Automattic) is responsible for developing Simplenote. So it’s actively maintained and offers all the basic note taking features (and syncing capabilities) across multiple devices for free.

In addition to this, you can also try some of the best note taking apps for Linux.

Laverna

Laverna is an open-source note taking app available for free. You can use it as a web-based tool with its encryption functionality, or download it to your desktop.

It’s easy to use, with a decent UI. In addition, it also supports code highlighting and a to-do task list to make things easier. Give it a try!

Team Communication & Productivity

Slack

Even at It’s FOSS we used Slack before moving to our self-hosted Rocket.Chat instance — be it on a random topic or when something requires collaboration. This is not an open-source solution.

Slack on Linux is available for free, and you can opt to upgrade it to the premium version for more features. You won’t be needing a premium plan unless you’re an enterprise user with a bunch of users to manage. Free or premium, it’s an essential addition.

You can also look for open-source Slack alternatives if you don’t like it.

Franz

With this app, you no longer have to switch between different browser tabs or applications while working on something. Franz combines almost all the essential messaging/email services under one roof. You just have to launch a single application (and sign in to multiple services) to keep up with all the communication you need without switching to different applications.

If you don’t like it, there are alternatives like Rambox.

Virtualization Apps

Oracle VM VirtualBox

VirtualBox is an amazing free and open-source virtualization solution for those who want to try different distros (or experiment with stuff) without affecting your host system. There are numerous uses for it – go explore!

Authenticators

Authy

Almost everyone uses 2-factor authentication to secure their online accounts. But usually, you need your smartphone along with an authentication app for the codes, right? Fret not, with Authy, an alternative to Google Authenticator, you’ll be able to sync 2FA codes across devices without the risk of losing them. It is available for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and macOS as well.

Wrapping Up

We’ve tried to list all the essential applications for a Linux user here. But then again, you might have a favorite that we’ve missed.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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